I guess you could say I don’t do anything half way.  Except maybe when it comes to napping- I’m the world’s WORST napper.  So true to form, 2014 was a big year, like a REALLY big year.  There may have been a brand new job, a tiny European trip, a move to a new city, and a growing baby all in one year.  Just my style!  It may have been a little crazy but I could not be more grateful and more proud of all that this year has held.  Zach and I just get closer with every new adventure, I’ve found so much joy in my work with InterVarsity, and it was my most successful year in photography yet!  I’m so honored that my work for every single one of my 2014 couples has been (or will be!) published!  I am privileged to steward so many gracious gifts and I never want to take it for granted!  Here are a few highlights I’ll be celebrating tonight!

In March I started a new job with InterVarsity, leaving my beloved Alma Mater to serve the Eastern Virginia Area.

I absolutely love working more closely with this staff team, serving their students and caring for the area as a whole.

In April we joined dear friends on a little Italian adventure!

The stillness and light in Venice as the sun rose and spilled over onto the streets is the single most magical moment of this year for me.  It was absolutely breathtaking and getting to take Nate and Catherine’s anniversary pictures there was a DREAM!  Not to mention, Zach and I literally had the best day of our lives in Tuscany, biking through Chianti, stopping at wineries, ending the day in natural sulphur hot springs followed by dinner in an Etruscan tomb!  Seriously, if you missed the post go read it now!

In June I got to photograph my first Destination Wedding in St. Thomas!

This trip was so much fun for me, not only because of the gorgeous sunshine and palm trees, but I got to photograph two couples there!  Megan and Brett were married on the beach, the smell of tropical flowers wafting through the air and had their reception on a catamaran cruise!  I was so incredibly honored to be a part of their day!  And a few days later, Courtney and Flave, whose wedding I photographed the Saturday before, arrived for their honeymoon!  I’m so glad they were willing to wake up at the crack of dawn on their honeymoon because these pictures are such a treasure!

At the very end of July we moved to Richmond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do you capture this in a picture?  (So I’m borrowing this image from Lara Casey, a prayer I prayed steadfastly as we made our decision). Part of my heart still grieves what we gave up in Newport News, and honestly, some days here are hard.  But ultimately, I am so thankful for the ways the Lord led and provided for us with every step.  We felt his presence and assurance through each part of this move which increased our trust in Him and hope for what He has in store for us in this new city.  We do love it here!  We already have favorite restaurants, hang-outs and a rhythm of life here.  We found a church that we LOVE.  We enjoy our little neighborhood and hope to buy here one day.

In September we celebrated 5 years of marriage!  

No matter how hard or joyful or what season of life we’re in, being married to Zach is my greatest gift.  We celebrated with our annual wine getaway in Charlottesville, staying at The Veritas Inn and venturing all the way over to the Homestead!  Did I mention we also got to model for some of my favorite industry leaders, Justin and Mary?!  What an honor it was to be in front of their lens and to witness their passion for teaching!  If you have a chance to take their Walk Through A Wedding workshop DO IT!

In October we found out about our baby!!  

We could not be more grateful for the gift of new life and the ability to sustain it.  We’re excited for the adventure of parenting and for the blessing of knowing and raising this little one.  Photo cred: Kristi McKeag!

So from my glass of sparkling cider to your champagne: cheers to the end of a great year and the beginning of a new one, may we continue to press in to faithfulness, joy, and hope!!